A dynamic and vibrant cosmopolis in Asia, Hong Kong has much to offer beyond the Victoria Peak and Harbour.

Over here, you can find a shopping paradise, international cuisine, colourful nightlife, festivals and fairs, a kaleidoscope of cultures and heritages, lush fauna and flora, a well-functioning transport infrastructure and many more!

However, as one of the world’s pre-eminent cities attracting tourists globally, these tourists also represent rich pickings for scammers operating in the country.

Although violence and crime is not a big issue, it still pays to be careful and alert. Read on to learn how to protect yourself!

While you are considering, the scammer’s accomplice will appear out of nowhere, claiming to have overheard your conversation.

He then offers to pay double since it’s too good an offer to turn down.

This is just to tempt you to buy by using a mix of sales techniques (spurring emotions of greed, emotions of fear of missing out, and social proof).

What to do:

Do not buy as the herbal medicine is useless and worthless.

6. Bad aura / spiritual blessing scam

Image source: ejinsight.com

How it works:

The modus operandi of this scam is somewhat similar to the herbal medicine scam.

Someone will approach you and claim that you have a “bad” aura around you. He will ask if you have heard of a certain super doctor, who can cure such problems.

Out of nowhere, the accomplice appears. He enthusiastically offers to bring you to someone whom he knows can help.

You are now brought to a third accomplice, who claims to be related (some family member) to the super doctor.

He diagnoses the root problem, which is that you / one of your family members has offended a soul / spirit / god. Thus misfortune would befall you.

He then offers to perform a ritual to cleanse you of your bad aura. Should you accept, you would have to surrender material valuables so as to not affect the ritual. These will be safeguarded in a bag by them.

Once the ritual is performed, they hand the bag back to you. But alas, what is inside are not your valuables, but a bunch of newspapers.

What to do:

Firmly reject such “offers” by street touts / overly friendly strangers you find on the streets.

7. Fake antiques

Image source: cat-street.hk

How it works:

The Cat Street market, also known as the antique marketplace, is one where tourists flock to for souvenirs to bring back home.

Shopkeepers will claim that these are all antiques from years gone by.

Do not fall for their spiel and do not pay the outrageously high prices which they can just make up on the spot.

What to do:

Don’t buy unless as a cheap thrill. If you must, then haggle.

8. Counterfeit products

How it works:

Just like across Asia, you will find counterfeit products here (e.g. Malaysia, Vietnam), such as at the Mong Kok shopping district.

While there are definitely bargains, there are also plenty of fake watches, luxury products and electronics.

What to do:

For big ticket items, do some online research on the reputable shops to buy from (e.g. the big chains like Broadway or Fortress).

Or simply check with your hotel / hostel staff.

Also, a good starting point are shops with the Quality Tourism Services logo.

9. Art scammers

How it works:

What these scammers do is they leave art pieces as “traps” on the floor.

When distracted tourists step on them accidentally, payment is demanded.

What to do:

Watch where you step.

10. Pickpockets

How it works:

The video above shows how two thieves cut a gold bracelet from a woman’s wrist within 7 seconds, and then picked up the gold beads from the pavements.